The iconic bouncing ball scene. Horror’s best séance ever. A wicked twist. A fantastic score and a killer setting to go with legendary actors. It’s a movie that the phrase “they just don’t make ‘em like this anymore” was invented for. It’s the classic haunted house movie, a tale of grief and hidden secrets with a ludicrous amount of atmosphere. And, of course, it stars George C. Scott. Make this one an immediate watch if you haven’t seen it.

It’s equal parts erotic thriller, horror, and straight-up gonzo. I love it when a movie throws shit at me that I would never have guessed and didn’t see coming; writer/director Erik Bloomquist does this multiple times here! Everyone loves a good erotic mindfucking, and I’ll bet you haven’t heard of this one. You should unfuck that.

A movie that has influenced so many others. When you watch it, you’ll see the truth of that statement in a ton of different scenes. In my review I said, “You don’t know what kind of film you’re seeing until you’re balls deep in it.” That sums it up wonderfully. It’s a film about a madwoman who doesn’t know what’s real, and you won’t know either. It’s the dictionary definition of groundbreaking.

A family drama wrapped in the clothes of horror that’s grounded in a real story. It’s a restrained mix that works surprisingly well. It’s the story of a family facing down the demon possession of their matriarch, but you don’t get gore and craziness…and that’s not a bad thing. There’s a humanity at work that makes the horror better for it. That’s a pretty neat trick in and of itself.

Were it not for Shudder, I probably wouldn’t have heard of this late ‘90s Italian gem. Based on a story written by Dario Argento and Lucio Fulci and helmed by SFX legend Sergio Stivaletti, the history behind is interesting as hell all by itself. The movie is a gory giallo with a tech-horror flavor and a House of Wax sensibility. It’s a mix that you won’t forget. I’m so damn glad that the rest of the world can see this one now. The SFX alone are a wonder to behold.

My God, it’s a movie with both Tara Reid and Richard Greico?! This must be awful, right? I love subverted expectations. This tale of a wealthy family done in by the evil in a series of animal paintings based on the seven deadly sins is so much better than the sum of its parts. Smartly written and well-cast, there’s a twisted fairy tale quality that I’ve never quite seen before. Who says you need to be a blockbuster to be a damn good flick?

While the remote Alaskan setting gives the tale of a haunted man called to kill a pack of child-stealing wolves gives it a starkly beautiful edge, it’s the crazy twists and turns paired with an insanely talented cast that make it exceptional. Also, this may be the bleakest and darkest thing I’ve ever seen. It’ll destroy your brain in a way you may not be prepared for. Be warned.

Yeah, yeah. I know. This is my “how the fuck have you not seen this?” entry. I’m not a huge action guy, but I finally jumped headfirst into the series that put Keanu Reeves back on top of the world. I don’t have the words for how much I love this character. The action is batshit and physical to the Nth degree. The story is compelling. The humor (used with pinpoint timing) is first-rate, and John Wick is now a part of pop culture for a damn good reason. I apologize for not seeing it sooner.

The tale of a gang of kids living on the crime-ridden streets of a cartel hell, this Mexican nightmare isn’t for those with sensitive hearts. It’s uber dark and unflinchingly real. Then there’s the supernatural element – you’ll be satisfied beyond belief with that ending! One of those flicks that had crazy buzz for a year or two before hitting Shudder, you’ll see why almost instantly. It’s at the top of my list of movies to prove wrong those who say, “I don’t read subtitles!”

Read Horror DNA's review by clicking here.

One of Dario Argento’s most famous giallos, I’m at a loss to explain how I missed this boat. This movie is the definition of tension and how you turn the screw slowly until the pressure is enough to turn coal into a damn diamond. I love me some Dario Argento, and this one may be my favorite. Utterly fucking gorgeous.